http://www.energymastershome.com Just another WordPress weblog Sat, 01 Aug 2009 22:31:58 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en A solar clothes dryer (aka, clothes line) can save you about $85 a year in energy costs if used when during the warm, dry months. http://www.energymastershome.com/index.php/2009/08/solar-clothes-dryer/ The easiest and most cost-effective way to insulate your home is to add insulation in the attic. To find out if you have enough attic insulation, measure the thickness of insulation. If there is less than R-38 (one foot thickness), you will benefit by adding more. Beware though, that air ... http://www.energymastershome.com/index.php/2009/08/insulation-is-important/ We were discussing the cost/benefit ratio of photovoltaic panels in the last blog and I was called on the carpet for failing to mention the 30% federal tax credit. Let’s be clear, tax credits and rebates are real money and someone is paying it. The state rebates come from the ... http://www.energymastershome.com/index.php/2009/08/sometimes-solar-panels-are-cost-effective/ Everyone wants solar panels these days. We like the idea of getting “free” energy from the sun and they appeal to the American love for nifty technology. But how “free” is solar energy? Let’s take a closer look.   Don’t misunderstand, solar panels are a piece of our energy puzzle and we’re ... http://www.energymastershome.com/index.php/2009/07/so-you-think-you-want-solar-panels/ Keeping your beer cold in an old refrigerator in the garage? Older refrigerators can cost $200 or more to operate each year compared to about $50 for a newer model. Also, refrigerators work overtime in a scorching garage, consuming a lot of energy and costing you money. NV Energy pays ... http://www.energymastershome.com/index.php/2009/07/ditch-the-old-reefer/ A toaster oven uses a third to half as much energy as a full-sized oven. Use a small electric pan or toaster oven for small meals whenever possible. http://www.energymastershome.com/index.php/2009/07/toaster-ovens/ When using gas appliances, look for blue flames; yellow flames indicate the gas is burning inefficiently and an adjustment may be needed. http://www.energymastershome.com/index.php/2009/07/gas-appliances/ Keep your kitchen faucet lever in the cold position. Placing the lever in the hot position uses energy to heat water even though the heated water may never reach the faucet. http://www.energymastershome.com/index.php/2009/07/kitchen-faucet/ Use your washer and dryer with full loads and rinse http://www.energymastershome.com/index.php/2009/07/washers-and-dryers/ Replace the air filters for your heating and cooling system every month. http://www.energymastershome.com/index.php/2009/07/replace-filters/